According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were over 1.2 million fires in the US in 2013, which resulted in property damages totaling more than $11 billion. Yet it’s safe to say that each blaze was responded to by a team of dedicated firefighters; some career, others strictly volunteer. At TriStar, we’re proud to improve the efficiency and safety of firefighting by delivering composite bearings to the top makers of firefighting equipment.

Outriggers have better stability with Ultracomp

Ladder and snorkel trucks require rock-solid stability to support the extreme weight of hundreds of gallons of water, multiple hoses and other firefighting equipment. Yet the nylon pads one manufacturer used on their engine outriggers could not support these excessive weights plus the exposure to water and foam chemicals caused breakdown over time. We replaced the wear pads on the outriggers with self-lubricating, high load Ultracomp bearing pads. Since making the switch from nylon to composite bearings, our partner notes the trucks have much better stability for improved safety. And Ultracomp bearings are self-lubricating for better efficiency and lower maintenance.

Hydraulics give fail-safe operation with Ultracomp

Our partner produces aerial ladders, which demand rapid deployment and flexible maneuverability for firefighting. We recently worked on a new pin bearing design for the rod ends of the hydraulic cylinders. Ultracomp composite bearings are capable of quick deployment and good heat tolerance, and were the ideal choice for this demanding application. And unlike metal bearings, Ultracomp composites resist the corrosive effects of water and chemical spray and require no grease/maintenance.

Why composite bearings for firefighting equipment? They provide:

• Excellent high-load and shock value – to ensure smooth operation and good stability on rutted pavement
• Good coefficient of friction – for quick ladder deployment and years of dependable service
• Superior chemical resistance – against spray from extinguishing chemicals, with zero moisture absorption
• High-temperature tolerance – for flawless operation in searing heat and freezing temperatures 

Composite bearings can even reduce injury to firefighters as they rush to the call. Read how CJ bearings support the pivot points of high-end fire safety seats.

Ask us for a composite bearing quote or view our latest Ultracomp video: Characteristics and Applications!